“Coalition officials were in regular communication with Russian counterparts before, during and after the thwarted, unprovoked attack.”

Col. Veale further noted that Russian official has assured US and coalition partners that the base would not be attacked. Shortly after, rounds were fired, “supported by artillery, tanks and multiple-launch rocket systems.”

Russian officials later denied any involvement in the attack, but a number of families in Russia reported losing loved ones in Syria immediately after the battle.